The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has introduced a policy that allows candidates under the age of 16 to be considered for admission into tertiary institutions, provided they demonstrate exceptional academic ability. This means that while the official minimum admission age remains 16, candidates younger than this age can be granted admission under strict conditions if they score 80% and above (minimum of 320 out of 400 marks) in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Reversal of the 18-Year Admission Age Benchmark
This development follows the reversal of the mandatory 18-year minimum admission age that was introduced by the former Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman. The current Minister of Education, Prof. Olatunji Alausa, reinstated the 16-year minimum benchmark, a decision that has been widely welcomed by education stakeholders.
Speaking during a meeting with Chief External Examiners, Chief Technical Advisors, and members of the Equal Opportunity Group, JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede emphasized that while the 16-year minimum age remains the standard, there should be room for exceptions for academically gifted students.
Strict Conditions for Admission Under 16
Oloyede made it clear that exceptional students must prove their intellectual ability through multiple assessments, including:
✅ UTME – Scoring at least 320 out of 400 (80%)
✅ WASSCE (WAEC) – Outstanding performance in all subjects
✅ Post-UTME – High scores in post-admission screening
✅ GCE O/Level – Excellent results in relevant subjects
He explained that a student scoring 200/400 in UTME cannot be considered exceptional, but a candidate scoring 320/400 has demonstrated outstanding ability and deserves consideration.
Concerns Over Private Universities and Underage Admissions
The JAMB Registrar also expressed concerns about some private universities that admit underage studentswithout proper academic evaluation. According to Oloyede, 80% of such students end up struggling academically and are eventually transferred to other programs due to poor performance.
Additionally, he condemned the manipulation of birth records by some parents who reduce their children’s age to gain early admission but later struggle with NYSC eligibility due to age discrepancies.
Introduction of Mock UTME for Underage Candidates
To further ensure that younger candidates are adequately prepared, JAMB has introduced a Mock UTMEspecifically for underage students. However, Oloyede clarified that this mock exam is not for direct admission purposes but rather to help younger candidates assess their readiness for the UTME.
Key Dates for 2025 UTME Registration
📌 Sale of UTME Forms: January 31 – March 5, 2025
📌 Mock UTME: February 23, 2025
📌 Main UTME: March 8, 2025
Conclusion
This new policy provides a pathway for academically gifted students under 16 to pursue higher education, but only under strict conditions. While this move recognizes exceptional talent, JAMB remains firm on ensuring that candidates are mature enough to handle the rigors of tertiary education.